| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Fiber-optically targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy has been shown to clear plaques of psoriasis in a significantly fewer number of treatments and reduce overall cumulative UVB dose than traditional UVB phototherapy. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews existing theories in the literature attempting to explain the superior efficacy of targeted UVB. METHODS: Medline was used to perform a comprehensive review of the literature from 1965 to present. Only information from the English language journals are reported in this study. RESULTS: The theories proposed to explain the higher efficacy of the excimer (XeCl) laser relative to traditional UVB include the ability to use higher intensities of ultraviolet (UV) light and a more efficient induction of T cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The possible explanations for the superior efficacy of the excimer laser over traditional UVB therapy for psoriasis include: 1) a higher intensity UV light to plaques, which is more effective in clearing psoriasis; 2) penetration into the dermis where it may induce T cell apoptosis, potentially to a greater extent than the wavelength or given energy level predicts; and 3) the difference in the delivery of UVB light may result in cell death and skin immune system suppression more effectively than traditional UVB. |
| Authors | Karine Zakarian, Alain Nguyen, Julie Letsinger, John Koo
(Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. kzakaria at uci.edu)
|
| Journal | Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD
(J Drugs Dermatol)
Vol. 6
Issue 8
Pg. 794-8
(Aug 2007)
ISSN: 1545-9616 United States |
| PMID | 17763609
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
|
| Topics |
- Apoptosis
(radiation effects)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Humans
- Laser Therapy
- Psoriasis
(radiotherapy)
- T-Lymphocytes
(immunology, radiation effects)
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultraviolet Therapy
(instrumentation)
|
